Written by

Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

A well-known reporter for WDIV-TV (Channel 4) who has won awards for his commitment in the fight against substance abuse has been jailed since April 18 under Michigan’s “super drunk” law.

Kevin Dietz, 48, who is part of the station’s investigative reporting team, was cited Feb. 12 in Bloomfield Township for driving with a blood-alcohol level of .17% or higher, according to Michigan Secretary of State records. He also refused a Breathalyzer test.

Dietz is scheduled to be released at midnight tonight from the Oakland County Jail, according to jail staff.

Dietz is a 13-time Michigan Emmy winner and won a regional Edward R. Murrow award for his coverage of disgraced former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, according to his biography. He “has twice been honored with the Agnes Scott Leadership Award for commitment in the fight against substance abuse.”

Dietz apologized in a statement posted Friday on his station’s website:

“I am deeply sorry for my actions. I made a mistake for which I apologize to my family, WDIV and to the viewers. I accept full responsibility and am taking the necessary steps to deal with this matter,” Dietz said.

The station’s vice president and general manager, Marla Drutz, issued a statement expressing support:

“Kevin has been forthright and accepted full responsibility and expressed remorse. He is taking appropriate steps to deal this situation and we believe that Kevin will continue to be an important contributor to WDIV now and in the future.”

Bloomfield Township police could not be reached to discuss Dietz’s arrest.

Dietz’s driver’s license is suspended until May 7, 2014, but a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in Oakland County Circuit Court on a petition to have the license restored.

According to Secretary of State records, Dietz had speeding citations in West Branch in 2010 and Bloomfield Hills in 2008.

Under Michigan’s “super drunk” law, which went into effect in 2010, first-time offenders face penalties that include a fine of up to $700, up to 180 days in jail, up to 360 hours of community service and mandatory completion of an alcohol treatment program.